Penetration Tests in a Mold on Regolith Quasi-Analogues at Different Relative Densities

Abstract

Know-how from terrestrial geotechnical engineering may be applied for a variety of space problems such as the prediction of the soil mechanical response of extra-terrestrial soils, the exploration of near-surface planetary soil, and the movement of vehicles. Penetration testing constitutes a well-established method for the back-calculation of the soil properties. In an initial study, indentation of a rod into granular material placed within a mold has been investigated for variable density states. Regolith simulants, natural soils, and glass have been considered. The test results are presented and key features are elucidated showing that the sole use of the grain size distribution curve as a prediction tool within each subgroup is not appropriate. The effects of the rigid base and the rigid walls are clearly revealed in the response.